Another satisfied WomansTour customer. I did my first tour with them. It was in Idaho, and we stayed the week at a condominium and did day trips in the Tetons. This was nice because I didn't have to pack every morning. The trip featured a daily, two hour bike maintenance class which helped me learn what I needed to be a confident rider. There was also a daily yoga class at a local studio. The guides were excellent and I still have fond memories of the other riders.

I also took a trip to Italy with Women's Quest. Colleen Cannon, the owner, does a fantastic job with her tours. Again, great guides and fellow guests. Several years later I rode LiveStrong Austin with one of the women I'd met on that trip.

I've also done tours with Backroads (Tour de France), Bicycle Adventures (San Juan islands camping and Napa/Sonoma), Experience Plus (Costa Rica), and Iron Donkey (Ireland).

The last few years I've had the confidence and time to put together my own tours. My husband and I have toured Oregon coast, Tucson spring training, Natchez Trace and are doing a France tour in August.

There are advantages and disadvantages to organized versus self supported tours but I suggest starting with an organized tour. There are hundreds of tour operators - most specialize on a region and have a clear vision of what they offer. Almost all the reports I've ever read have been of satisfied customers who've had a great experience.